Qualitative Research Methods
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Qualitative Research Methods
In research, qualitative methods employ numerical evaluation by reducing the information collected into numerical figures. Prior to research, the conductor outlines the purpose of the study and is well aware of the numerical variable that will be dealt with during the process of data collection. The main aim of quantitative research is to utilize mathematical techniques and hypotheses related to the study.
The methods employed during quantitative research are divided into four categories. The first method is the use of surveys and questionnaires. Surveys are mostly preferred on social studies and permit the researcher to be specific in questioning the respondent on a varied range of topics. Afterwards, the collected information can be analyzed to illustrate the relationship between certain variables.
Questionnaires are also used in data collection as they are provided to large groups of people randomly to attain the credibility of the information given. The use of questionnaires provides significant advantages compared to other methods. They are cost friendly and reduce on time lost as in the case of verbally filled out research forms and telephone surveys (Weinberg, 2012). The type of questionnaires preferred in research is the closed ended one where the respondent is expected to provide a specific answer to each inquiry.
Interviews are another means of quantitative research. Interviews can be conducted through several ways. They include over the phone and on a one on one basis (Weinberg, 2012). Most questions are usually open-ended to allow the respondent to answer in whichever way they deem best.
The final method is the telephone polls, which involves answering the questions on a questionnaire conducted over the phone. Various disadvantages present themselves in these methods. Firstly, a lot of time is wasted over the phone with the respondent. Secondly, it is very expensive because resources such as electricity and call rates are used. Thirdly, telephones polls do not allocate enough time for the respondents to expound on their answers.
Choosing
quantitative research during the study is because of several advantages that
come as a package with the employment of this technique. The data produced
after the analysis of information collected is often credible and valid.
Different hypotheses formulated about a topic are given reruns throughout to
attest that they can be utilized.
Reference
Weinberg, Darin. Qualitative Research Methods. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers, 2002. Print.